Please let us know how your INAPAM visit goes. In some parts of Mexico, particularly San Miguel de Allende, people are reporting that INAPAM cards are now only available to Residente Permanentes. Previously, it was available to those holding Residente Temporal cards as well, but some say that has changed. -- Mark

Re: [at7mbe] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Well that's,ahem, a particularly relevant bit of scuttlebutt. I'm planning to depart D.F. for exactly SMA on January 9th. Not good odds on getting the card before that owing to the holiday closures. Even if I could squeeze in the application for it they take time to process things or at least that's what I've read. Hmmm.

Well that's,ahem, a particularly relevant bit of scuttlebutt. I'm planning to depart D.F. for exactly SMA on January 9th. Not good odds on getting the card before that owing to the holiday closures. Even if I could squeeze in the application for it they take time to process things or at least that's what I've read. Hmmm.

Here in San Luis Potosi I went to the tiny INAPAM office with my Residente Temporal card, CURP card, CFE bill as my proof of address, passport and 2 front view infantile photos almost 1 year ago and got the card in less than 30 minutes.

I don't want to belabor this here because this thread is about INM and consulates, not INAPAM. I'll understand if the moderators remove it. My wife and I received INAPAM cards in Morelia in 2012 using our Residente Temporal (then "No Inmigrante"). I'm just pointing out that things may have changed. Here's a quote from the SMA Civil list from long time facilitator Silvia Cadena on Sept. 13:

Quote

You can get it [an INAPAM card] any time as long as you have a permanente residente card..not before, any time afterwards.

There have been various threads there with Silvia saying Residente Temporal can no longer receive INAPAM cards when she takes in applications for other people. If correct, is this rule only applicable in the state of Guanajuato or is it country wide? Who knows? The government's INAPAM website on requirements to obtain the card still list FM2 or FM3 as need in the case of extranjeros, so it's clearly out of date: INAPAM Requirements

Still, one could print out the page to present to a recalcitrant official. Good news is that so far no one's reported having their previously issued INAPAM card revoked as a result of being Residente Temporal.

Re: [at7mbe] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Please let us know how your INAPAM visit goes. In some parts of Mexico, particularly San Miguel de Allende, people are reporting that INAPAM cards are now only available to Residente Permanentes. Previously, it was available to those holding Residente Temporal cards as well, but some say that has changed. -- Mark

I had no idea if the INAPAM office would even be open today but what the he double hockey sticks eh? I looked up the address on their sitio web and then walked most of the way over until my dogs started barking & hopped into a taxi. There are so many of 'em I just love being able to hail one so easily by holding out my arm for a second or two. We drove up to the front door and they were open. I asked the security guard if this was the right place and he said " si' pase". Just then a very smartly dressed woman, maybe one of the bosses, exited the door and informed me that I was at the wrong address; that this was only the administrative office and I should have gone to Universidad 150. Ooops. Good thing the cabbie hadn't been paid yet so I hopped back in and we zoomed off. I really wanted to take care of this matter before departing D.F. for SMA owing to that er-ah previously mentioned scuttlebutt about gringos getting the heave ho from INAPAM there.

I walked into the real office on Universidad at 10:30 a.m., gave me a form to complete and then announced that I was the last one that would be attended to until January 7th. EEEK. My Primera Plus booking for SMA is on Jan. 8th. So I was the last one and after that about two hundred people showed up only to be turned away. SHEESH. Three hours and thirty minutes later I had it all nicely laminated & official looking.

One thing though, contrary to all that I've read about providing proof of residence, all they did was ask me where I live, looked at my Residente Temporal card, and passport.

Thanks for the update and good on you for being able to get it done. I'm going to forward your story to the facilitator in SMA who has been saying INAPAM is no longer available to holders of Residente Temporal permits. Of course, this being Mexico, sometimes things differ between locations even though it's a Federal program. But you're set now, and the card doesn't ever have to be renewed. -- Mark

I go back to the consulate today for a fingerprint scan and interview. Was told to bring my passport and $36 (cash, debit or credit card), so I expect to walk out with the stateside part of the residente temporal status completed. Submitted my application and 6 months of bank deposit information about two weeks ago. ------ Planning for Mexico Move Blog

I go back to the consulate today for a fingerprint scan and interview. Was told to bring my passport and $36 (cash, debit or credit card), so I expect to walk out with the stateside part of the residente temporal status completed. Submitted my application and 6 months of bank deposit information about two weeks ago. [/reply

R.S.,

I read your recent blog entry in which you mention that your RT will be good for four years. How did you manage paying only 36 bucks for a four year term? I paid my 36.00 for the State -side part but when I made my grand arrival in Mexico City I was obliged to pay an additional MXN 3,130 and it's good for only one year. Maybe if I'd read more of your thorough blog I'd have seen that your are entitled to a four year term because your wife is a citizen of Mexico or something along those lines.

Plus you were only required to show six months of financial statements whereas I had to bring in a year's worth. Lucky you. Go for it.

Geoffbob, Read Roni_smith a bit closer. He clearly states that he is still working on his submission through a Mexican consulate, so has not yet reached INM within Mexico, where he indeed will have to pay a fee that varies with the temporal validity of his RT.

A Temporal is good for four years with required annual or multi-year renewals. However, a new applicant is only allowed to pay for one year. The 4-year option is restricted to those who have gone through a regularization.

I have heard many people that were told by the consulates that they could pay for 4 year when they got to mexico only to be "surprised" when they arrived in Mexico and told they could only do one. I do not know of anyone that was able to pay for 4 years coming from a consulate.

Its kinda like the article of the law that says one can apply for immigration thru the point system.....

or the 1990 law (ley de a poblacion) that says all mexicans must have a national ID card (cédula de identidad nacional, not to be confused with the IFE) The card still does not exist ......

Re: [Rolly] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

There is a comment on a blog post I made yesterday from someone who went through the Mexico part of the process in November. They used a facilitator and reported not having to show any income documentation in Mérida and were only allowed to pay for one year of their temporal visa.

Of course they did not have to show proof of income at INM in Mexico; they had already done that at the consulate in their home country. At INM, all they have to prove is an address in Mexico and pay the fees for the first year, which is all they can get at first. Next year, at renewal, they can pay for three more years, after which they will change to Residente Permanente or leave Mexico. The use of a facilitator makes no difference and is not necessary. It will increase the cost, as the facilitators charge fees for their service and may be a great convenience for some people by reducing the number of visits to INM, etc.

We know people in Quintana Roo who have had to do the whole documentation of income thing again in Mexico after first doing so at the consulate in the USA, so it is not an "of course they did not have to show" in all of Mexico. ------ Planning for Mexico Move Blog

Of course they did not have to show proof of income at INM in Mexico; they had already done that at the consulate in their home country. At INM, all they have to prove is an address in Mexico and pay the fees for the first year, which is all they can get at first. Next year, at renewal, they can pay for three more years, after which they will change to Residente Permanente or leave Mexico. The use of a facilitator makes no difference and is not necessary. It will increase the cost, as the facilitators charge fees for their service and may be a great convenience for some people by reducing the number of visits to INM, etc.

At INM in D.F. I showed up with proof of address. They handed the documents back to me immediately. I thought they were not in order and unacceptable but I thought wrong. When I asked the reason she told me that they are no longer required. She perused the rest of my papers and instructed me to proceed to the next window. There they told me everything was in perfect order and instructed me to return for finger printing in a few days. I had gone to a great deal of trouble and expense to procure proof of address. I almost wish...nah.

I hope that is a universal policy. How recent was your experience? Anybody else have anything to report? If that is truly the casy, maybe Intercasa can clarify for us. Thanks for the information.

"Domicilio del extranjero en México

* Calle

* Número exterior

Número interior

* Colonia

* Estado

* Delegación o municipio

* Código Postal

Teléfono particular (incluir clave de larga distancia)"

When you apply they already have your address on your online "tramite" form you print out and give to them to get things started. If proof is required as all immigrants have reported in the past, then I presume it still is. If one INM clerk does not require proof then it is possble she doesn´t follow the rules.

My dumb luck could well be a case of an employee at the immigration office not following the rules as to proof of residence, but wait.. it was two employees; one at the reception and the other at the processing counter. Then when days later I went to yet another office to apply for my INAPAM they didn't require any proof of residence either. They did however ask me where I lived. I hit the trifecta.

I am going to apply for permanent residence status at the Las Vegas Consulate and I have a couple of questions before I take all of my documents, statements, passport etc.

As I am applying for Permanent Residence status, do I need to have a Mexican Address (Playa del Carmen) before applying? Can I use a hotel address? I have some friends that are Mexican Nationals that live in Playa that have offered to assist me in finding a place to rent long term. I also have proof of a pension which I will take at age 65 (I am currently 59) an IRA, and of Course Social Security in addition to stock portfolio, part ownership of a business in Colorado, Own my home with a net value of $250,000 and about 30G's in my bank account. Am I missing anything? Thanks Hasta luego Steve

Re: [stevoH] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

You will need to have an address in Mexico when you apply to the local INM office to complete processing of your visa and issue the card. You must start that process within 30 days of entering Mexico. Proof of residency can be a temporary place, but that will require notifying INM when you change your address; something that you should not attempt while in process. The process could take a couple of months. So, when you find the temporary place at first, choose one where you are willing to stay until the card is issued. Then you wont confuse matters.

Re: [stevoH] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

On another board on this forum site Rolly presumed that you wouldn't be applying for your RP. If you are, then there will be issues regarding driving a foreign plated vehicle. As in, don't do it.

The easiest thing for you might be to just apply for RT and get a TIP when you cross the border. A lot less hassle and much less expense. In fact, you can get the TIP online before you leave. Then you can drive a foreign plated vehicle.

Re: [stevoH] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

You would not currently be applying as a retired person, so a theoretical future pension might not be considered relevant now. Do you have a current stream of income that would continue now in Mexico? It would seem no. What is the total value of your US investments and how liquid are they -- I am not asking for an answer here, but the Consulate may want to know if you meet RT or RP requirements. From what you write, with no valuation of your business stake, and with your home not sold, it may not be clear to them that you qualify. But you have nothing to lose putting forth your best foot, with the best documentation you can offer, in your interview at the Mex. consulate. Good luck to you!

A recent (November) temporal applicant did not have to show any proof of income in Merida as that had already been done at the consulate in the United States. This per a comment on a blog post of mine. He used Yucatan Expatriate Services to help him with the process. ------ Planning for Mexico Move Blog

Any experience with Laredo Consulate?

After living in Mexico for 17 years, I now have to apply for a residente temporal at a Mexican consulate in the US. For the past year and a half I've been living in Ajijic on tourist visas renewed every six months. Five months ago I flew to San Antonio from my home in Ajijic to apply for the residente temporal at the Mexican consulate and left without results. The person I talked to wanted an "official document" stating that my income is $2,000 "after taxes." Bank statements weren't acceptable. He said he wanted an official letter. I told him the US government doesn't issue official letters verifying government retirement annuities and social security income. I've been told that things go more smoothly at the Laredo consulate and was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with the Laredo office and specifically if they know what documentation they require for the residente temporal.

Re: [kmetzger] Any experience with Laredo Consulate?

I would suggest that any Mexican consulate would be requiring official proof of adequate pension income, including social security. However, a federal pensioner myself, I am a bit puzzled by your understanding that the USG does not issue annual benefits statements, plus monthly statements.

--For Social Security, see http://www.ssa.gov/onlineservices/#a0=5, where you can see that, online, you can --Get your benefit verification letter (includes Medicare and SSI); "Get a Form 1099/1042 -- Social Security Benefit Statement Replace the lost, damaged, or missing tax summary of your Social Security benefits for 2013. (Not available for SSI). "

Perhaps your local US SSA office could even print out, on official letterhead, the verification leltter, perhaps even the American Citizens' Service office in the US Consulate (as in Guadalajara) could. Ask them!

And of course, all agencies issue a 1099-R for each year's income, and you can also use the Employee Express website from OPM for monthly statements for most agencies. (You need access to the website, which entails receiving a password by mail to your address of record. One has to access this site no less than every 90 days or your access shutsdown, and you would need to reapply...)

Our INM office in Merida accepted the above for my FM2 application and renewals, with no income evidence required when I applied for and received my residente permanente. True, under the prior systems, I never had to apply at a Mexican consulate.

Re: [Aaron+] Any experience with Laredo Consulate?

I am a bit puzzled by your understanding that the USG does not issue annual benefits statements, plus monthly statements. - The San Antonio consulate official wasn't interested in my standard annual statements, which I showed them. He said he needed an "official letter," whatever that is.

I can't get the social security letter online because I don't have a US mailing address. I have to get mine from the US Consulate in Guadalajara.

Perhaps your local US SSA office could even print out, on official letterhead, the verification leltter, perhaps even the American Citizens' Service office in the US Consulate (as in Guadalajara) could. Ask them! - Yes, if that's what's required in Laredo, but I'd like to know if it is.

Re: [kmetzger] Any experience with Laredo Consulate?

Kmetzger, I wish I had an answer for you about Laredo, but we are wondering the same thing. We tried both San Antonio and Austin in January. Austin's staff were pleasant and helpful, but the consul herself was out on vacation for the whole week we had available, so we couldn't complete the process.

The San Antonio official was present, but seemed determined to be rude and unhelpful, and to make the entire process as difficult as possible. I would almost wonder if he considered it his job to keep Americans *out* of Mexico, rather than let them in. We would not recommend anyone attempt residency at the San Antonio consulate.

Re: [lobita] Any experience with Laredo Consulate?

Thanks, lobita. That's what I thought. Right now I'm just trying to confirm that the financial documents generally required at Mexican consulates for people with social security and/or retirement income are the same as required when applying here in Mexico, i.e. bank statements for the past six months. I'm actually flying to Austin next month and thought I'd first try the Austin consulate and if that doesn't work, drive down to Laredo.

Re: [kmetzger] Any experience with Laredo Consulate?

Yesterday I posted my detailed RP experience that lays out exactly what documents I needed to get mine. No Apostilles or translated documents were needed. The only originals were my passport, marriage certificate and Mexican deed.

I received my Temporary Residence card back in May 2013. I've read everywhere that I would not need to show proof of residence or income again. However, a local attorney in Cancun informed me that these items would be required. Has anyone else had to show proof of residency (gas/light bill) and income again when renewing their Temp. Residence? Thanks!

Re: [Rolly] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

After 14 years in México, today was my turn to apply for Residente Permanente. It's so easy at my IMN office -- just walk in and do it, no line, no waiting, off-street parking, very nice and helpful ladies who run the place. Drango still requires proof of address and 3 months of bank statements -- a nuisance, but no big deal.

I had gone to the office a couple of weeks ago to inquire about the application letter. I knew from past years, they are picky about the wording. I aced it. It even got a laugh at the part where I was supposed to say I wanted to live in México permanently.

Re: [Rolly] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

|

In December 2012 when we visited the consulate we really didn't know there was permanent and temporary residency. We made a trial run and asked what was needed for a visa. They gave us a list of requirements. When we returned a couple weeks later with all our paperwork I mentioned to the guy on the other side of the glass - we would like to live in Mexico forever - and he said have a seat. A while later when he called us back he had the biggest smile on his face and told us we had been approved for permanent residency. Someone must have been looking out for us...

Re: [Rolly] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

OMG. My first time renewal of a Residente Temporal. The office now opens at 9am. Last year it was 8am. I presented my completed "Renovacion". I had the same infantile photos from last year and was told they needed to be new. Last year it took 5 different sittings to get it 'just right' for the INM office, so I thought I better use the ones from last year, but NOPE. She asked for my bank statements. I've heard they were not required for your renewal, but Thank Goodness, I took them anyway. My Spanish is limited, but I've been able to get by. However, the attendant spoke extremely quickly. She held up my letter that says, "I want to renew, nothing's changed in my residence or financial situation and that I want to purchase a 3 year renewal", and said something very rapidly in Spanish. I politely, in Spanish, apologized that I did not understand and if she could speak slower. She did it again, and I said the same thing again. She said, "TSK!" and quickly and rudely slammed my paper down on the counter in front of me. I had also given her my Permiso de Salida y Regreso completed packet. She then said something about the form to take to the bank. I asked her where do I get it. She quickly said what sounded like an internet address, so I started to write it down. She showed me the address on the her computer screen. Last year, they gave me a form to take to the bank. Now you have to print it out and take to the bank.

I returned with everything she requested. I asked when I could come pick up my Permiso de Salida Y Regreso. She said, Thursday. I said, But I leave Wednesday at 10:30 am. She said, come Wednesday at 9. I said I have to be at the airport on Wednesday at 7:20am to check-in at the airport and if there was something that could be done. She looked me squarely in the eye and said, "Abrimos a las nueve".

I had to contact an attorney to help me.

I explained to the attorney what had happened and she said since the INM clerk rudely gave me back my letter, that my application was incomplete and this would cause more delays. She helped me re-write the letter and directed me to ask the clerk the next day to kindly place it in my Renovacion. Three different clerks refused, stating I would have to wait for my "Presentarse" status on their website.

I really don't understand why the Cancun office is so very rude and complicated. I asked if anyone could assist me in English and each staff person said No.

I asked when I would be giving my fingerprints or be able to pay for my 3 years, and the clerk said in Spanish, "you will find out if you get approved'".

Re: [gmelchor] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

Here's an update. I received an email that I had 10 days from the date of the email to present to the INM in Cancun with a set of pictures (mind you, I already submitted these and they were brand new. I watched the clerk paperclip them to my application), and I was only being offered 1 year renewal and to bring the paid bank reciept with copies. My previously hired attorney stated I could not appeal INMs decision to give me only one year, nor could I complain that I had already submitted a new set of photos.

I have given up. I have been 'red taped' to death. I plan on returning to Mexico within the next few weeks and will NOT show my Permiso de Salida Y Regreso, but instead enter as a tourist. My hope is that this will cancel my pending Renovacion and revert me back to a tourist. Let's see how that turns out.

Re: [gmelchor] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

I suggest that you not do that. Return with your exit/return letter, as required. You are in the computer system and coming in on an FMM tourist permit woud violate the INM rules prohibiting having two immigration documents at the same time; a serious offense. Why not just get the new photos and pay for your renewal as planned. Next time, you will probably be able to get the three year renewal and be done until that is about to expire and you apply for Residente Permanente. If you do not proceed as required, you may never have another chance. There is always the chance of rule changes; that is a given.

Re: [rvgringo] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

Re: [rvgringo] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

Thanks for the valuable advice. The letter I received from INM gave me 10 days to return. I am in the US and cannot return that soon. What would you advise in this situation? If I return AFTER the 10 days allowed, what do you believe would become of my Renovacion? The soonest I can get there would be approximately 20 days after the receipt of the INM request for my pics and payment. Any advice would be appreciated.

Re: [gmelchor] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

I thought those exit/return letters were usually good for up to 60 days. Did you only request 10 days? You say you cannot return on time. Was there a death in the immediate family, or is it simply inconvenient? If you are late, you will have problems with INM, or possibly not be allowed to re-enter Mexico. You are under an obligation that you agreed to honor. So, I suggest you get back on schedule, get your new visa card and then travel in and out at will.

Re: [rvgringo] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

No, rvegrigo, you misunderstand. The 10 days to return letter has to do with completing his INM application. It is a routine part of the process. It has nothing to do with his out of country permission.

Re: [Rolly] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

Rolly- you are correct. INM is giving me 10 days to return to the office. I have my Permiso which expires 21 June.

What is complicating my situation is that I'm taking care of my dad in Texas. Unfortunately, his physical and mental health has been deteriorating in the last 1.5 years, just as I started my application process, and I need to tend to him daily. When out of the country, I have to hire someone to help, but prefer not to.

I'm trying to hire an attorney to help me with this and hopefully she can deliver these items to the INM in the next week because I can't leave my dad right now. The soonest I can get someone to care for him is the end of this month.

Re: [gmelchor] My recent Cancun INM renewal experience

Sorry. The post did lead me astray. In the situation, as explained above, the only hope might be a visit to a Mexican Consulate, if one is nearby, with a request to cancel your application for the time being, due to your father and his needs. I have little faith that an attorney will succeed in anything but costing more. Good luck and I hope all goes well.

Residente Permanente from Laredo consulate

If you are a US citizen seeking approval for a residente permanente visa, I recommend the Laredo consulate.

We had terrible experiences with the Seattle and San Antonio offices -- in both places, we felt like the official we were dealing with was against the entire idea of Americans emigrating to Mexico and was actively trying to throw up extra roadblocks.

Austin was helpful, but overworked and slow. We ran up against a travel deadline before we could get through the procedure there, so I'd only recommend them if you're willing to spend several days in the area and make multiple trips.

Laredo, however, was the jackpot. Some details to note:

My spouse is the one with the steady monthly income, so our plan was to get his residente visa and add me on under the family provision. However, the payments are deposited into a bank account which is in my name only. Laredo wouldn't approve him, even with pay stubs in his name and a copy of our marriage certificate. (But they were nice about it.)

However, they approved *me* on the basis of bank statements (online printouts) without asking to see pay stubs. Not only that, but they approved me for permanente based on working income, not a pension. (We are well below retirement age.) So now we're just doing it in reverse -- I'll get my visa, then add him as family.

I walked in on a Tuesday morning and walked out 80 minutes later with my approval, same day. Laredo was also the only office of the four to respond to our email or phone contact attempts (we got an email reply).

It's been a while since I'm reading this forum, but it's my first post here.

Quickly: Young Canadian couple with a 6-year old child moving to Mexico in August 2014. We are going to be remote workers. We have been travelling a lot during the last years (Europe + North America) with longer stays in the USA.

Now, we are ready to spend 1 year in Mexico to enjoy the culture, the weather and to learn Spanish.

I want to share my experience in the Mexican Consulate office in Montréal, Canada.

I wanted to get more information about the temporal residente, because some information was missing on their website. I went yesterday (June 5th), I explained our situation, the guy at the consulate was really nice and helpful. They requested the following documents:

- passeport + 1 photocopy - 2 pictures - original bank statements for the last 6 months showing deposits around $2000/month - certified copy of the above bank statements, must be certified by the bank (did not have that) - birth certificate of our daughter + 1 photocopy - since we are not married, no marriage certificate was requested - letter from my employer in Canada (I'm a governement employee planning to take an unpaid leave) - proof of the company registration of my partner (he's doing websites for a living) - $40 CAD for each visa at the consulate

We finally decided to not move on with the application since we think that is getting very expensive ($312 x 3 for the cards in Mexico!) and that we could just go on a tourist visa (180 days). We are planning to leave Mexico to go back in Canada for Christmas and then, return to Mexico.

We don't see any benefits of having the temporal residente card...do you?

However, if we decide to stay longer, we may want to apply for a permanent visa instead of a temporal...no need to renew every year.

Your plan will be just fine, as long as you realize that you cannot change your INM status within Mexico; only from your home country or country of legal residence.

Yeah, I totally understand that and it's not a problem for me. We don't know if we are going to stay more than 1 year in Mexico so we prefer that way.

I read on other forums that officially, if you work for yoursek (freelancer with non-Mexicans), the law is you need to apply for a residente temporal and then a work permit at the INM. But seems that no one is doing that.

Re: [Nikky] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Chapala INM office - we have had Residente Temporal status since 31 July last year and returned to Mexico on 28 June this year to apply for 3 years as Residente Temporal at Chapala. My Spanish is limited but there are at least two INM officials at the Chapala office who speak English well and are happy to assist applicants.

This time we dispensed with using an Immigration consultant and followed Rolly Brooks' website instructions to the letter ( Thanks Rolly, your website instructions are very comprehensive and much appreciated ), and other than a small snafus when the official forgot to collect our old Residente Temporal cards when we applied, everything went seamlessly. Timeline: Applied on 1 July 2014 Did fingerprints and handed in photographs ( 2 frontal & 1 from the right side) on 10 July 2014 Will receive New Residente Temporal Visa cards at .? small ceremony at Lake Chapala Society grounds on 25 july 2014 Altogether = 25 days.

Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Back story: I moved to Monterrey at the very end of May, on a Residente Temporal VISA. Got everything in order at the local INM office, documents sent to DF last week in June. At that point things had gone incredibly smoothly, too good to be true!

I check the VISA status online for a month, nothing changes, so end of July I revisit the office to check on the status. Was told that Aduana at the border had used the wrong stamp on a document, but they were fixing their mistake and I was required to do nothing but wait for it to get worked out.

Then last night, I receive an email from INM stating that a document describing my work status was not included in the packet, and I needed to supply this document within 10 days or my VISA would be denied. This document was included, who knows what happened to it. So I go to the INM office today with the requested document, and now for some reason they need to make copies of my pay stubs, proving employment status and income. Luckily I had them, got everything copied and prepared, and am told that everything is good to go. Wait a week and I'll get a form to fill out online, which I'll bring back in and get my finger prints done, then another week and my VISA will be ready.

What happened to the original employment letter? Why did I again need to show my financials? After a smooth start, this process has gotten quite frustrating. But hopefully everything is in order now...

Re: [roberth] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

I am sorry to see that these problems still happen. I was hoping that my personal, very positive experience, would be a sign of things improving.

I entered Mexico on June 7, and by June 13 I had my permanent resident card in hand. Everything was done locally, in Cuernavaca. Maybe that is a benefit from being part of "Metropolitan México". No documents were sent to the DF.

Of course, I felt compelled to write a "thank you" and "congratulations for your excellent service" letter to the local INM manager.

I don't know why, but when I visited the INM office last week for other matters, I was greeted with great smiles and abrazos - LOL

Re: [Mstonge] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

My experience with the INM office in Mexicali, Baja California was very straightforward. My spouse is a Mexican citizen (I'm a US citizen) and we married in Mexico City, so the process of switching from tourist to resident was probably a lot easier for me than it is for others. I was able to do everything from inside Mexico.

I started out by getting a "visitante" (tourist card) at the land border crossing for ~$300 pesos. This is really easy to get if you are a US citizen. All you need is your US passport and they'll issue the card for a maximum of 180 days.

A few days later, on July 22, I went to INM's website and filled out the universal application (section: "Cambiar condicion de estancia" > "Cambio de condicion a residente temporal por unidad familiar"). The next day, July 23, my husband went into the office with my passport, tourist card, his IFE card, and our marriage certificate (with copies of each). He filled out a form and was then sent to the bank to pay fees for my "residente temporal" card. He returned with the receipts and they told him that all of the paperwork would be sent to DF for processing.

(Note: if you are married to a Mexican citizen, you must start out as temporal. After 2 years, you should qualify for permanente and/or citizenship).

I checked online that same evening and saw that I was approved. I couldn't believe how fast that was. I just had to go in to give them my photos and fingerprints, which I put off until the next week (July 29th). The lady at the local office told me it would take approximately 3 weeks until I receive an e-mail saying that my card is ready to be picked up. Now, I'm just playing the waiting game.

That was my experience. The fact that I speak Spanish may have helped, but I have nothing but good things to say about the Mexicali INM office and their staff. I was kind of nervous to go in at first because I am gay and married to my husband, but the people who work there were extremely friendly and courteous and, unlike what I have read about other INM offices, there was virtually no wait.

For the record, it probably won't happen, but if anyone encounters any type of discrimination at an INM office, be sure to report it by calling INM's main telephone number. It is illegal for them to discriminate based on things like race, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc.

Re: [Mstonge] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

As a quick update, everything was cleared up surprisingly fast. The very next day after I had to return to INM to resubmit that document, I received an email stating that the online form was ready to be filled out. I just got around to going back in today to have my finger prints taken, and so I guess, in a week or two, my RT will be ready to pick up! After a longer than expected wait, I'm very excited that I'm almost done with the process for a year.

For anyone applying for a non-working RT in the future, who plans to continue their work online job in Mexico, make sure that the letter you supply to INM about your work activities explicitly states that you'll be living in Mexico off of the income you generate for that job. In Spanish of course. The absence of that sentence in the original document I submitted (that an INM official wrote up for me btw), delayed my process by almost two months.

Re: [Rolly] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

This are the requirements that I find difficult and in my case not feasible.

"A notarized letter from your bank addressed to the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle Washington, stating proof of income. The head of the family needs to prove an income of at least US $ 1,000.00 a month and for each dependent member an additional minimum of US $ 500.00 monthly. This letter must specify that the monthly income is to be transferred to a Mexican bank".

These requirements seems problematic to me. The income is expected. But to have my retirement fund send a notarized letter to the Consulate of Mexico and to specify that monthly income be transferred to a Mexican Bank is bunk.

Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Was finally able to pick up my RT VISA card today! Various paperwork issues delayed the process my about a month, but overall it was pretty smooth and stress free. fwiw, the INM website was updated once my VISA card was ready to be picked up; I've read in a couple places on this forum where people have said it will no longer be updated when your card is ready, but that wasn't my experience with the INM office in Monterrey.

Re: [Casa704] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

I found that with the financial entities that I deal with, they stated that they would provide me the exact info that I would print off the internet. I used colored copies from my online accounts, no problem at Consulate.

Note some documents that I printed off did not indicate name of account. You need each page verified as to your account name or account number.

Re: [soylent_green] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

All INM offices are different it seems. In June of 2013 my wife and I got our RP cards, here in Manzanillo. We were finger printed on a Monday and they phoned and sent an email late Thursday after noon. We were told to come in the following morning, Friday to pick up our cards. Prior to that we knew of people who had waited up to about a month after finger printing to get their cards. Like I said, each INM office seems to be different.

.

If you didn't know how old you were, how old would you think you were?

Re: [Rolly] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Rolly, I took your advice and went to a different Consulate, Portland Oregon. I had a positive experience in Portland. I appreciate all the information that you make available to assist, i.e. "The INM Application Form" guideline. I do have a question, I am going from Visitante to Residente Permanete. I am confused because in your guideline I surmise that I would check the first box, "Canje o resposicion de forma migratoria. However on the online form I am using my first box is "Extender la Estancia". AM I on the wrong online application form?

Re: [Casa704] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Re: Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

I've got my Residente Permanente card! Thanks all for the great info posted here, it helped me a lot.

I applied at the consulate in Bangkok. They were happy to do a lot of the back-and-forth via email, and they were very responsive. Responsive as in, I could ask a question and they'd be back inside of five minutes with an answer.

So my first actual visit to the consulate was really only to hand over the passport, they had essentially approved my documentation in advance. Including the second visit to pick up the passport, I'd say I was in there for maybe fifteen minutes total. Fantastic.

One of the requirements at the Bangkok office is that you have a valid visa for Thailand. I was in possession of a non-immigrant O visa that I've been extending for reasons of retirement, and whether you need a similar visa in order to make use of this consulate is something I regret I failed to ask.

Here in Mazatlan the experience is much the same. I've spent maybe a total of 30 minutes at the INM office here, and most of that was spent washing the ink off my hands after fingerprinting. No additional documentary requirements. First of three visits was on a Monday and I had the card three weeks later.

I'm not a Spanish speaker but there was a service located right next door that handled most of the paperwork and did the photos and copies and so forth and which I'm sure streamlined the process considerably. Good air-conditioning too, for while you wait. Highly recommended.

Re: [woofwoof] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Permanente after one year of temporal

The facilitator we used last year has told me I can apply for permanente status after one year here on temporal status. I am going to go for it, pending the answer to a couple of questions. My wife, who came in under unidad familiar as my economic dependent will have to wait until I have had permanente status for two years - has to be married to someone with permanente status for two years before she can convert to that status. I assume she would be able to renew her temporal card for two years.

Re: [Rolly] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Started my Temp to Perm today in Melaque and all they want is my Temp card, a copy of my passport and money. Too easy! Only went to ask what I need so didn't have passport and will complete tomorrow. No request letter or Internet form.

Application fee 1124 pesos and when the new card comes back another 4k+ I assume new fotos and finger prints again

A couple of weeks ago my wife and I drove down to the Laredo Mexican Consulate's office (from San Antonio) and made application for Residente Permanente visa's. Overall, a very pleasant experience only taking a little over 2 hrs to complete.

A few details that might be helpful:

(1) Their hours are 8am til noon M-F. We got there at around 10am and they did lock the entry doors promptly at noon.

(2) When we presented the required 6 months bank statements of our joint checking account, it was determined that we would only qualify for RT Visas. We had hoped that 6 months total income meeting the requirement would suffice but the income level must be $2500 a month for each of the 6 months.

(3) We were the only gringos there out of maybe 50 people. Everyone there, both staff and other customers, were patient, courteous and respectful to us.

Our spanish language skills are at the elementary level, to say the least, but they appreciated the fact that we were trying and helped us with a warm smile. We chose to try and make this pleasant experience....and it was.

We'll cross at Laredo on Feb 27th and will go to the local INM office in Chapala to complete the process. I'll post our experiences when we get our cards.

Re: [roni_smith] Permanente after one year of temporal

I've been approved at the US consulate office for my Permanent Resident visa, but wondering if I should use a facilitator to help finish the process in MX? Is it necessary, and can anyone recommend a good facilitator in/around Puerto Vallarta? Required to travel back and forth several times over the next two months, and don't want to mess up the timing/requirements.

Re: [alcurrie81] Permanente after one year of temporal

I think you meant that you were approved by the Mexican Consulate located in your part of the USA. When you arrive at your Mexican destination and take up residence, within 30 days of crossing the border, you must take proof of that address, and your paperwork, to the full service INM office closest to you. They will take your application and issue a ‘tramite‘ with a website and password that you can use to track the progress of the application. During this time, which can be a couple of months, you can travel within Mexico but not outside of the country, unless you get and pay for special permission for a single trip. That process is designed to cover emergencies, not multiple convenience trips. After all, you are applying for a residence visa, not a tourist permit. If you wish to go back and forth across the border often, you should have remained a tourist until you were ready to settle down.

Re: [rvgringo] Permanente after one year of temporal

Re: [La Isla] Permanente after one year of temporal

Thanks. I hope it helps the OP and others, since so many seem confused by the new, since 2012, rules. Reading older online threads is probably the cause of the confusion. Things have changed, and will probably change again and again.

Both my wife and I applied for RT cards on March 18th. We went in for finger printing on April 10th and picked up our cards on April 23rd. Total time 35 days.

Note: We applied through Spencer McMullen with Chapala Law at the Chapala INM office. His fee was extremely reasonable and his service friendly and professional. No financials were required for the submission of our documents. Absolutely no stress involved at any point of the process. INM employees very friendly and patient as well.

Re: [Rolly] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Just passed the Naturalized Citizenship written exam and oral exams here at our Merida SRE office this morning.

They've really raised the bars here in Yucatan, on the oral Spanish competency exams ... and oral history exams (also exclusively in Spanish) - requiring applicants to make 35 min to 50 min orations of detailed narratives of Pre-Hispanic Mexico through today... fechas y nombres precisos ... in order ... plus key themes in Mexican history, descriptions of systems of government for each epoca, los symbolos de la Patria, and significant details of each and every element ...

Special thanks to CBviajero for his personally supporting me and encouragements on nailing obscure past perfect Spanish verb tenses.

Hint: We don't necessarily have to make a personal trip to DF to get our national police record - which saves time and money - even for applicants who live far far from DF.

Second Hint: If you have all your ducks-marching-along-neatly, it can take less than a month to go from original application to full local approval.

The SRE abogado told me that we should have final full approval within 6 months ...

I'll report more when we get the final approval.

Happy Trails, steve . . ** Thanks also to John Shrall for his very good descriptions of Mexico's naturalized citizenship requirements at his SRE office. ... Our new Delegado (a DF'er) has added lots of twists to our exam process which he says should (may?) be descending on on other SRE offices. ??? - Read-on MacDuff E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Congrats!!! I would never have made it if all that was required in 2008 when I took the exam...written-multiple choice, fill in the blanks...10 questions ...a little verbal exchange and that was all. Not sure what it is like now in Sinaloa. BUT have to say that it is no surprise that you made it! Willie

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Hi Steve, Congratulations! I hope that the higher history test bar is a local Merida thing. I will be applying for citizenship at the end of this year in Baja California. If I'm lucky, I'll be able to call you paisa a year from now ;-) "Vic" Artur

Re: [viktoremski] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

The Merida SRE abogado said that they only process about 10 to 12 citizenship applications per year for English speakers (Canadians, Americans, and Brits). steve - Read-on MacDuff E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

Re: [lobita] Residente Permanente from Laredo consulate

Hello/Holla, I'm starting the process of applying for a visa. Shooting for Permanent Residence. Questions: Any recent experience with the Seattle or Portland consulate? Posts here indicate the Seattle office 1) requests information not in the rules and 2) generally not helpful. Portland office has better reviews. In terms of websites, the Portland one is more up to date.... Anyone have experience with the local INM office in Oaxaca and completing the visa process there? Or any review of any other experience there? Do I have this right: Once I complete the consulate application process, I have 6 months to get to Oaxaca, and then must go to the local INM office within 30 days of arrival? And any other info would be appreciated. Thank you!

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

On Oct. 9, I received notification from our Merida SRE office that SRE in DF have approved me for Naturalized Mexican Citizenship. (They say they will call me when they receive my official letter.)

I successfully completed all paperwork & exams on July 6, 2015 - which makes a 3 month delay between completing exams and being notified of citizenship by SRE-DF.

General Timeline & Details for the Process in Merida: My Notario started the naturalized citizenship process for me on about May 15 - making preliminary submissions of my documents for SRE to check. That all went well: KUDOS to Notario Lic. Mauricio Rojano. About 2 weeks later SRE instructed us to get police reports on my background from both Yucatan State & DF. ... It took 3 trips to our Fiscalía General Publica - Yucatan State office - over about a week to get my state police record, and we used my Notario's representative/associate in DF to get my national police record - received within 5 business days of the request (including document shipping).

Sidelight: Last-minute flights to Mexico City from Merida are quite expensive, so it was far cheaper to pay the Notario to get the national police report - so, the $$ we saved by NOT traveling to Mexico City were actually more than the total that the Notario charged for getting INM, wedding certificate, & police reports, and preparing & filing my citizenship application.

I next went for a June 15 appointment to our Merida SRE office to sign forms. On-the-spot: They invited me to take the written exam, to take the Spanish language competency exam, to explain why I wanted to become a Mexican Citizen & answer personal questions and Mexican culture questions, ... and to also make a 30 minute (or so) all-Spanish language oral narrative of the history and governance of Mexico covering pre-Columbian Mexico up through the Colonial period, the War for Independence, the 19'th century, the Revolution, and forward through Lázaro Cárdenas del Rio up through WW2 (ending with the resolution with the USA for the La Expropiacion Petrolera). ...

No lo se why they had me stop at that point in history, but they then had me shift to explaining el Escudo, la Bandera y el HimnoNacionales, (los Símbolos Patrios), y los Azatlán ... They required me to recite (or sing) the El Coro, Estrufo 1 y Estrofo 10 of the Himno. I was unable to do these things (with no warning / no preparation) - so, I returned on July 6 to complete these requirements. ... As far as we can tell, NO other SRE offices are requiring so much in the exams - so it appears that these are special requirements recently added by our "new" SRE delegado.

Summarizing: It has taken roughly 5 months to get approved for Mexican naturalized citizenship ... though I haven't received my final letter/ceremony yet. ... If I had been prepared to take the exams on my first visit to SRE, the process may have been faster - as my locally-SRE-approved application would have been submitted well before the gobierno's summer vacation weeks. ??

Maybe the days of a 1 year-long (or more) process are gone ? (at least for Yucatan / Merida)

Clearly, computerized records of my passport, computerized INM records, computerized police records, database records of exits and entries into Mexico have made the process faster and smoother for people who qualify.

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Wow, that is amazing about that. I have never heard about the singing part! I have much to learn before I can even attempt this endeavor.... I'll probably be close to 60 by the time I am that competent.

Re: [soulpatch] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Wow, that is amazing about that. I have never heard about the singing part! I have much to learn before I can even attempt this endeavor.... I'll probably be close to 60 by the time I am that competent.

I better brush up on my ol' song and dance routine!

Singing is a great way to remember all that Himno text ~ esp. with the archaic 17'th - 18'th century flowery verbs: " massiosare "... et al.

Fortunately, the requirements for 60 and older applicants are MUCH lower, and ... the extra-exam requirements I mention above are JUST FOR YUCATAN ... - Read-on MacDuff E-visit at http://yucalandia.com

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Forgot to mention: The SRE sent a last-minute email on Wednesday requesting that I come in Thursday (yesterday) to:

~ Sign the final 4 forms (w/duplicates) - renouncing any foreign citizenships and promising to use only a Mexican passport when entering and exiting Mexico and sign multiple copies of my Carta de Naturalización and

~ Sign forms stating that I was surrendering my Residente Permanente Visa from INM - along with surrendering it on-the-spot (a change from the old previous procedure - where you turned in the visa at INM)

~ agree to go into INM and file a formal notice within 90 days that you have naturalized citizenship

and ~ participate in a little citizenship ceremony.

I then trotted over to the SRE passport office next door ... where they gave a list of what to bring + instructions on contacting a special 01-800 SRE-DF phone-cita-scheduling hotline.

I paid for the passaporte this afternoon, have a cita for early Monday morning, and will have my passaporte Monday afternoon - in time for Wednesday travel back to Colorado for my daughter's wedding.

Mexican govt. systems are working so much better than US systems in many areas now.

Re: [viktoremski] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

"renouncing any foreign citizenships" - what do they exactly mean? Giving up US (or any other) citizenship, or just renouncing it while in Mexican territory?

This issue has been around since at least the mid-1980's.

Mexico requires that its foreigner-applicants for naturalized citizenship both make oral pledges to renounce citizenship with any/all other countries.

They also make the foreigner-applicant for naturalized citizenship to sign forms saying that the applicant renounces citizenship with any/all other countries.

Once a foreigner is given naturalized citizenship - they are liable for all Mexican government laws and regulations, and the SRE people also explain that the IF the new naturalized Mexican citizen gets into legal trouble in Mexico ... that individual (now a Mexican Citizen) ... gets NO help from any countries that they had prior citizenship in.

.. . Before 1986, this was a huge problem for Americans. In 1986, the US Congress passed a rule (law?) saying that US citizens remain as US citizens, until / unless 2 things happen first: 1. the US citizen files a formal written letter at a US Consulate saying that they renounce their US citizenship. and 2. the US citizen is STILL a US citizen (even after filing the formal written renunciation), until the IRS decides that the citizen has paid all future taxes that are owed ... So, the IRS must get their final bite of your apple before allowing us to legally stop being US citizens.

The US State Department was grumpy about this until about 1993, but then relented, and since then, formal US policy has been that Americans can go through ceremonies in Mexico where the US citizens sign renunciation forms for the Mex. Gob. and that the US citizens can make oral renunciations of their US citizenship in front of Mexican officials ...

And under both Mexican and US law ... when a person carries both passports ... That individual is bound-by all US laws as a US citizen while in the USA ... with none of the privileges of carrying a foreign passport ... and The same goes for Mexico that the individual is bound by all Mexican laws - with none of the privileges of being a US citizen - while in Mexico.

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

Last week I applied for my mexican citizenship based on a five year residency (3 years as RT, two as RP). As I had promissed, I am sharing my experiences here: On Monday I went to Mexico City to obtain the "no antecedentes penales a nivel federal". I got there shortly before 8 am, and there were already about hundred people in line, waiting for the office to open (8:30 am). I had with me my over-a-year old birth cirtificate, translated officialy into spanish, and apostiled (in Poland). I also had my US passport, Permanente Residente card, and utility bills. All they wanted were copies of the above documens. They never bothered to see the originals, one copy of each document, that's all they needed. It took less than an hour for the "no antecedentes" to be ready. When I was leaving the office, there were several hundred more people waiting in line to get inside. On Tuesday, I obtained the "no antecedentes a nivel estatal" in Tijuana, Baja California. That was also easy, I was only asked to show my Permanente Residente, no copies needed. They took a picture, and, I think, a finger print. On Wednesday I went to SRE in Tijuana. I had my application, and all possibly required documents ready, with two copies of each. That included my name change US court decision from over two years ago (which I did to have my name exactly as it is on my birth ciritificate), apositiled in Sacramento, and officialy translated in Tijuana (of course my RP card was also updated at that time to reflect the correct name). On the application, I left the "actividades academicas o laborales" blank, and I verbally explained that I live from resources from US. I was asked to write "Vivo en Tijuana" in that space. I also had my pictures with me. The only thing I did not have was the "salidas/entradas" record from INM, as I expected that SRE would send me there. The SRE official handling my case was very professional and polite. He told me that my application was the last one he took care of before Christmas. He wanted to expedite all of the applications the same day, so he approved my required residency based on my stampless passport, saving me the trip to INM. He sent me to a bank across the street to make the necessary payment. He asked me if I studied history, which I confirmed. He gave me a page with five questions (from the hundred question master available online). I answered all of them correctly. He told me that my application is practically approved (he communicated with offices in Mexico City while processing it), and that I most likely will have my naturalization certificate issued by the end of March. I was given a web page address with user ID and a password. For now it only shows that my application is DF bound. I hope he's right, and that there will be no complications...

Re: [YucaLandia] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

I forgot to mention one thing I did not like, though. At the end of the visit, the SRE official gave me back my passport and my RP card. I reminded him he still had originals of my apostiled birth certificate, and apostiled name change (I provided him with two copies of each as well). He said that unfortunatelly, he needed to send the originals to DF, and most likely I would not see them back. Even though I did not like that, there was nothing I could do, if I wanted the application to be processed. I think I might need the apostiled and translated birth certificate again when applying for "la credencial", or the mexican passport, or when getting married in a few months. So I will most likely have to ask my friend in Poland to get me a new one.

Re: [viktoremski] Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

I think I might need the apostiled and translated birth certificate again when applying for "la credencial", or the mexican passport, or when getting married in a few months. So I will most likely have to ask my friend in Poland to get me a new one.

Nice, pleasant staff. No appointment necessary. They are open normal business hours (9 - 5), but lunch is 2 to 3:30 (the office is open, so you can sit in the waiting room, but no work is done).

G. Diaz is the visa official. Friendly and answered all questions.

The office does not allow RP applications, unless you already own property in Mexico.

The one hiccup is that there is an expectation of "comprabante", a letter stating that an official form is in fact official, for some documents. I didn't have to do it for my paystubs (and not necessary for Social Security statements). But my proof of employment form (from Microsoft), which is a US Immigration/Homeland Security/Customs Approved form with official stamp and electronic signature needed a personal letter from my employer (I had my boss write it). Also my bank statements/proof of deposits form needed a letter stating they were real. Thank goodness I had a helpful local bank manager.

Since RP w/o property wasn't available, I didn't submit retirement income. That worked out b/c there was zero chance Fidelity was going to write me a personal letter stating their Proof of Deposits statement was in fact authentic -- I went round and round with them about that before just submitting for RT.

I have some questions about making sure I get the right 30 day stamp in DF airport, getting the correct online form before going to the Immigration office, and Mexico City INM. But I'll ask in separate post next week. Preview: I was skeptical about the online stories that I had read about people having to start over after getting a visitors stamp. But while in the Seattle consulate I met a person who was there trying to fix that exact mistake. Yikes.

We renewed our RT's for 3 years through Spencer and his staff at Chapala Law. Once again, it was a pleasant and stress-free experience for a very reasonable fee. The INM office staff was also very polite and accommodating.

Total turnaround time from application to having our new cards in hand was 32 days.

Re: [regrant] Part 2 - Recent experiences in INM and Consulate office

I'm coming into DF, on an RT entrance visa, and will stay there until my RT is complete.

Anything I can do to make sure I get the right 30 day stamp in DF airport? As I said earlier, I was skeptical about the odds of this happening and then I met a person at my consulate who had this happen to him. Is there a name the INM uses for this stamp?

Getting the correct online form before going to the INM office. There's these instructions above: http://yucalandia.com/answers-to-common-questions/new-rules-and-procedures-for-immigration-visiting-and-staying-in-mexico/#Instructions%20for%20the%20INM%20Webpage%20for%20Visiting%20Mexico%20or%20Moving%20to%20Mexico. And they seem clear, but if someone has recent experience please let me know.

Any tips for navigating the Immigration office in Mexico City. I'll be staying in Colonia Polanco nearby, so I'm prepared to make several trips if necessary....